I have always been fascinated by the way we were taught to pray in school. The leader of the assembly announces “Prayer Position” and all the students oblige by joining the hands, closing the eyes and bowing the heads. I never particularly enjoyed doing it, but thanks to YCS/YSM as I realized the true meaning of this act. When we join our hands we bring together our physical self, we close our eyes to the outside world and we bow our heads in order to look into our hearts because we believe God resides in our hearts.
In India Spirituality has never been a subject of dry talk. Spirituality from ancient times here has held its own in the face to the advancing judgment of modern science, thanks to its evergreen and all encompassing character and content.
By Modern life, we mean the culture and ethos which originated in the west around 3-4 centuries ago and subsequently made rapid inroads globally to become a dominant influence in Man’s life today. In everything we do, we try and ape the west. Modern life today means a life which is not only luxurious but also one which is closest in styles and trends to the west. The trends and styles began with the clothing and other materialistic sophistications and gradually end with the lifestyle, the behavior and character of a person thereby losing the real identity. Here comes the crisis, we are at a risk of losing our own identity; It means we are no good as an individual to the society. At this juncture, we cease to exist and we need the help of God.
Most H.W Longfellow has rightly put poetically:
“Act, Act, Act
In the Living Present
Heart Within and
God above Head”
This must be the axiom for us to realize our role, our responsibility and our commitment to the society today especially in the Indian Milieu.
Today we may say, ‘’we hardly have time to spend with our family, how can you expect us to spare time for worship’’
Spirituality is not exhibited within the walls of a temple, church or mosque or for that matter any place of worship, it lies within the walls of our heart, our soul, our mind. This realization itself is a great revelation. There are a million chances for us to go astray. And we all know very well that the youth are the prime target for this since the future is the youth.
Man has money but no harmony, unfortunately. The answer to this eternal problem is sought in spirituality. Spirituality can grant you the scientific methods to cultivate psychological and social harmony. It helps you in becoming a better person. It enables you to attract good fortune and gain spiritual tranquility. Being spiritual and yet scientific should be the normal and natural way of our modern life.
Hence it is very important for the young people awaken themselves and lead a life which promises love, truth, discernment, renunciation and compassion to fellowmen and also take pride in the presence of God within. God should manifest from within, He can manifest in a Muslim, A Christian or a Hindu. What is needed is Honesty. Be ready to do anything for the sake of God. Gentleness is the first and foremost quality essential to gain the grace of God with a pure, clear and bright mind and heart.
It is to be noted that you are what you believe and think yourself to be. You will become what you think you are.
Belief in God is the very essence of spirituality, So let us take a solemn pledge to change ourselves for the Good and Place ourselves in the Hands of the Almighty because as YCS/YSM says:
This world is ours
This Nation is ours
This Society is ours and
The Responsibility to Change
Also, is OURS
Phinu Jose
Former Nexco,
Karnataka Region